Early initiation of dormancy of a radio connection

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and devices are described for managing a radio connection between a mobile device and a base station of a radio access network. A determination is made that the mobile device is in a standby state. The radio connection transitions to a high power state while the mobile device is in the standby state. A net number of transport layer connections for the mobile device are identified. The transport layer connections are Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) sockets. A net count of transport layer connections opened and closed while the radio connection is in the high power state is calculated. Dormancy of the radio connection is initiated when the mobile device is in the standby state, based at least in part on the calculated net count of transport layer connections.

CROSS REFERENCES

The present application for Patent claims priority benefit to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/636,470, entitled “EarlyInitiation of Dormancy of a Radio Connection” by Meylan et al., filedApr. 20, 2012, and assigned to the assignee hereof.

BACKGROUND

Applications or device applets are now available that operate to providea wide range of add-on services and features to wireless devices. Forexample, it is now possible for wireless devices to download and launchdevice applets to perform value added functions such as shopping,searching, position location, driving navigation, or an array of otherfunctions. Network and application providers generally offer thesedevice applets to device users for additional fees. Thus, the use ofdevice applets may increase the functionality and usability of wirelessdevices and offers device users features and convenience not originallyavailable on the devices themselves.

Typically, applications transmit and receive data (e.g., updates) usingconnections according to a particular transmission protocol. Forexample, applications may establish a connection with a server of anetwork, such as the Internet, using Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)connections or sockets. Once these connections are established, the datamay be transmitted to or received from the network server using a radioconnection between the wireless device and a base station.

Radio connections, however, require power and resources. When thecommunication with the network is completed, the radio connection maystill remain active for a certain amount of time. As a result, power andresources of the wireless device and the base station may continue to beconsumed until the radio connection between the two devices is released.Further, resources of the radio access network may continue to beconsumed until the radio connection is released.

SUMMARY

Methods, systems, and devices for managing a radio connection between amobile device and a radio access network are described. In one example,a determination may be made that the mobile device is in a standbystate. The determination that the mobile device is in the standby statemay occur when a screen of the mobile device is determined to beinactive. While in the standby state, the radio connection maytransition to a high power state, such as a forward access channel(FACH) state or a data channel (DCH) state for data transfer. Upontransitioning to the high power state, the mobile device may identify anumber of transport layer connections between applications executing onthe device and a network entity, such as a server. The mobile device maycalculate a net count of transport layer connections that are opened andclosed. When the net count satisfies a threshold, the mobile device mayinitiate dormancy of the radio connection. As a result, dormancy of theradio connection may be initiated immediately upon the net number oftransport layer connections satisfying the threshold.

In another example, a triggering event may be detected. The triggeringevent may be a closing of a Transport Control Protocol (TCP) connection,a start of a non-sync traffic burst, or a start of a sync traffic burst.An inactivity timer may be selected from a plurality of inactivitytimers, based on the detected event. For example, a TCP connectionclosed inactivity timer may be selected when the detected event is aclosing of TCP connection. Similarly, a non-sync traffic burstinactivity timer or a sync traffic burst inactivity timer may beselected when the detected event is the start of a non-sync trafficburst or a sync traffic burst, respectively. The selected inactivitytimer is started and upon expiration of the selected inactivity timer,the mobile device may initiate dormancy of the radio connection. As aresult, dormancy of the radio connection may be initiated more quickly,based on the specific inactivity timer that is tailored for thetriggering event.

In one example, a method for wireless communication using a mobiledevice is described. A determination may be made that the mobile deviceis in a standby state. In addition, a net number of transport layerconnections may be identified, and dormancy of a radio connection may beinitiated when the mobile device is in the standby state based at leastin part on the identified net number of transport layer connections.

In one configuration, the identifying the net number of transport layerconnections may occurs during a specified time period. For example, thespecified time period may begin when the radio connection ceases to beavailable. As another example, the specified time period may be the timeperiod that the mobile device is in an active radio state. The activeradio state may include a forward access channel (FACH) state, a datachannel (DCH) state, or a connected state.

In one example, a determination may be made that the mobile device istransitioning to an active radio state or transitioning out of an activeradio state. In addition a number of pre-existing transport layerconnections may be identified when the mobile device transitions to theactive radio state or transitions out of the active radio state. Furthera net count of transport layer connections may be determined after thetransition of the mobile device.

In one configuration, the net count of transport layer connections maybe determined from a number of transport layer connections closed afterthe transition of the mobile device. In addition, the net count oftransport layer connections may be determined from a number of transportlayer connections opened after the transition of the mobile device. Thenet count of transport layer connections may also be determined from anumber of transport layer file descriptors closed after the transitionof the mobile device. Further the net count of transport layerconnections may be determined from a number of transport layer filedescriptors opened after the transition of the mobile device. In oneexample, initiating dormancy of the radio connection may occur when anet count of transport layer connections is zero, or less than zero.

In one example, determining that the mobile device to be in the standbystate may include determining that a screen of the mobile device is inan inactive state. Determining whether the screen is in the inactivestate may be based on whether the screen is powered down. Further,determining whether the screen is in the inactive state may be based onwhether a lack of input via the screen occurs for a predetermined periodof time. In one configuration, a signaling connection release indicator(SCRI) may be generated to initiate dormancy of the radio connection.

In one configuration, a determination may be made that the mobile deviceis transitioning to an active radio state. A number of pre-existingtransport layer connections may be identified when the mobile devicetransitions to the active radio state. A number of transport layerconnections in existence subsequent to the mobile device entering theactive radio state may be periodically counted or determined. In oneexample, a net count of transport layer connections while the mobiledevice is in the active radio state may be determined based at least inpart on the periodic counting of transport layer connections.

A mobile device configured for wireless communication is also described.The mobile device may include a processor and memory in electroniccommunication with the processor. The memory may store executableinstructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processorto determine that the mobile device is in a standby state, identify anet number of transport layer connections, and initiate dormancy of aradio connection when the mobile device is in the standby state based atleast in part on the identified net number of transport layerconnections.

An apparatus configured to manage radio connections is also described.The apparatus may include means for determining that apparatus is in astandby state, means for identifying a net number of transport layerconnections, and means for initiating dormancy of a radio connectionwhen the apparatus is in the standby state based at least in part on theidentified net number of transport layer connections.

A computer program product for managing radio connections is alsodescribed. The computer program product may include a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor, cause the processor to determine that a mobiledevice is in a standby state, identify a net number of transport layerconnections, and initiate dormancy of a radio connection when the mobiledevice is in the standby state based at least in part on the identifiednet number of transport layer connections.

A method for conserving power of a mobile device is also described. Themethod may include providing a plurality of timers, detecting a trafficsynchronization event, selecting one of the plurality of timers based atleast in part on the detected traffic synchronization event, anddetermining to initiate dormancy of a radio connection upon anexpiration of the selected timer.

In one example, the traffic synchronization event may be a start of asynchronous traffic burst. In another example, the trafficsynchronization event may be a start of a non-synchronized trafficburst.

In some cases, a transmission control protocol (TCP) connection may bedetected. In one embodiment, the method may include detecting a closingof a TCP connection. The method may additionally include selecting oneof the plurality of timer based at least in part on the detected closingof the TCP connection. In some cases, a traffic burst may be detected.In one example, the traffic burst may be identified as a synchronoustraffic burst or a non-synchronous traffic burst.

In some configurations, each of the plurality of timers may have adifferent duration. In some cases, each of the plurality of timers isassociated with an event. In these cases, selecting one of the pluralityof timers may include selecting a timer that is associated with thedetected event. In some configurations, the selected timer may bestarted. The plurality of timers may be inactivity timers.

A mobile device configured for wireless communication is also described.The mobile device may include a processor and memory in electroniccommunication with the processor. The memory may store executableinstructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processorto provide a plurality of timers, detect a traffic synchronizationevent, select one of the plurality of timers based at least in part onthe detected traffic synchronization event, and determine to initiatedormancy of a radio connection upon an expiration of the selected timer.

An apparatus configured to manage radio connections is also described.The apparatus may include means for providing a plurality of timers,means for detecting a traffic synchronization event, means for selectingone of the plurality of timers based at least in part on the detectedtraffic synchronization event, and means for determining to initiatedormancy of a radio connection upon an expiration of the selected timer.

A computer program product for managing radio connections is alsodescribed. The computer program product may include a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor, cause the processor to provide a plurality oftimers, detect a traffic synchronization event, select one of theplurality of timers based at least in part on the detected trafficsynchronization event, and determine to initiate dormancy of a radioconnection upon an expiration of the selected timer.

A method for wireless communication using a mobile device is furtherdescribed. The method may include determining that the mobile device isin a standby state, identifying that an application processor on themobile device is about to enter a low power state, and initiatingdormancy of a radio connection when the mobile device is in the standbystate based on the identification that the application processor isabout to enter the low power state.

Further scope of the applicability of the described methods andapparatuses will become apparent from the following detaileddescription, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specificexamples are given by way of illustration only, since various changesand modifications within the spirit and scope of the description willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature of the present invention may berealized by reference to the following drawings. In the appendedfigures, similar components or features may have the same referencelabel. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguishedby following the reference label by a dash and a second label thatdistinguishes among the similar components. If only the first referencelabel is used in the specification, the description is applicable to anyone of the similar components having the same first reference labelirrespective of the second reference label.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communications system;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating further example of thewireless communication system;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a mobiledevice, in accordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment to of a mobiledevice in accordance with the present systems and methods;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example architecture of amobile device that includes a fast dormancy module;

FIG. 6 shows a timing diagram for a number of transport layerconnections;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a MIMO communication system including abase station and a mobile device;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method fordetermining when to initiate dormancy of a radio connection;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method fordetermining when to initiate dormancy of a radio connection based on anet count of open sockets;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method forinitiating dormancy of a radio connection based on a net count oftransport layer sockets;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating another example of a method fordetermining when to initiate dormancy of a radio connection;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method fordetermining when to initiate dormancy of a radio connection based on aclosing of a TCP connection; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method fordetermining when to initiate dormancy of a radio connection based on atraffic burst type.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Methods, systems, and devices are described to allow a user equipment(UE) terminal to initiate a dormancy procedure at an earlier time thanis currently allowed. The dormancy procedure may transition a radioconnection between the UE and a device in a radio access network (RAN)(e.g., a NodeB, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), etc.) from a high power stateto a low power state. While the UE is in a standby state, the radioconnection may be in a high power state to allow the UE to transmit andreceive data. In one embodiment, the UE may determine a net number oftransport layer connections that were opened and closed while in thehigh power state. For example, the UE may determine the number ofTransmission Control Protocol (TCP) sockets or User Datagram Protocol(UDP) sockets that were opened and closed while the radio connection wasin the high power state. In another embodiment, the UE may detect theclosing of a TCP connection. In yet another embodiment, the UE maydetect the start of a synchronous traffic burst or the start of anon-synchronous traffic burst. Based on the detected trigger (e.g., thedetermined number of connections, the closing of a TCP connection, thestart of a synchronous traffic burst, the start of a non-synchronoustraffic burst), the UE may initiate a dormancy procedure to transitionthe radio connection from the high power state to the low power state.

When the UE is in a standby state, it may connect to a RAN using a radioconnection to transmit/receive data to/from a network, such as theInternet. The data may be transmitted and received across open socketsof a transport layer, such as TCP, between the UE and a server in thenetwork. The radio connection may be in one of several power stateswhile the UE is in the standby state. In a wireless communicationsystem, such as Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system,the radio connection may be in a low power state, such as an idle state.In the idle state, the radio connection may allow the terminal toreceive small amounts of traffic, such as incoming pages. In a higherpower state, such as a forward access channel (FACH) state, smallamounts of data may be transferred on an uplink and downlink. For highrate data exchange, a state such as data channel (DCH) may be used. RANresources consumed in each state may scale with the terminal's powerconsumption. In addition, changing from one power state to another mayconsume RAN resources as well as central processing unit (CPU) resourcesin a radio network controller (RNC) node.

Traditionally, in the WCDMA system, the RAN controls the state of theUE. In particular, the RAN controls when the radio connection with theUE should transition from a higher power to a lower power state (i.e., adormancy procedure). Transitioning from the higher power state to a lowpower state may be achieved by releasing the radio connection betweenthe UE and a NodeB, eNodeB, etc. of the RAN. Typically, the RAN usesinactivity timers to decide when to initiate dormancy for the radioconnection. The inactivity timer starts (or restarts) after a burst ofdata is transmitted on the interface (e.g., the uplink or downlink). Ifthe inactivity timer expires, dormancy is initiated to transition theradio connection to the low power state. The current use of inactivitytimers, however, does not initiate a dormancy procedure in an efficientmanner. For example, once transmission/reception of data is completedacross TCP sockets using the radio connection, a lag of time may existuntil the inactivity timer expires. As a result, the radio connectionmay remain in a higher power state for an extra amount of time, causingresources of the UE and RAN to be unnecessarily consumed.

In order to conserve resources of the UE and the RAN, it is desirable totransition the radio connection (when the UE is in a standby state) froma higher power state to a low power state in an efficient manner. Thisincludes releasing the radio connection as soon as the transport layerconnections (e.g., TCP sockets, UDP sockets, etc.) are closed.

The following description provides examples, and is not limiting of thescope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Changesmay be made in the function and arrangement of elements discussedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Variousembodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures orcomponents as appropriate. For instance, the methods described may beperformed in an order different from that described, and various stepsmay be added, omitted, or combined. Also, features described withrespect to certain embodiments may be combined in other embodiments.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrates an example of awireless communications system 100. The system 100 includes basestations 105 (or cells), mobile devices 115, a base station controller120, and a core network 125 (the controller 120 may be integrated intothe core network 125). The system 100 may support operation on multiplecarriers (waveform signals of different frequencies).

The base stations 105 may wirelessly communicate with the mobile devices115 via a base station antenna (not shown). The base stations 105 maycommunicate with the mobile devices 115 under the control of the basestation controller 120 via multiple carriers. Each of the base station105 sites may provide communication coverage for a respective geographicarea. The coverage area for each base station 105 here is identified as110-a, 110-b, or 110-c. The coverage area for a base station may bedivided into sectors (not shown, but making up only a portion of thecoverage area). The system 100 may include base stations 105 ofdifferent types (e.g., macro, micro, and/or pico base stations). Thebase stations 105 may be referred to as NodeBs, eNodeBs, etc. There maybe overlapping coverage areas for different technologies.

The mobile devices 115 may be dispersed throughout the coverage areas110. The mobile devices 115 may be referred to as mobile stations,mobile devices, access terminals (ATs), user equipments (UEs),subscriber stations (SSs), or subscriber units. The mobile devices 115may include cellular phones, smartphones, and wireless communicationsdevices, but may also include personal digital assistants (PDAs), otherhandheld devices, netbooks, notebook computers, etc.

In one configuration, the mobile device 115 may include an architectureto initiate a dormancy procedure for a radio connection. Thisarchitecture may determine that the mobile device 115 is in a standbystate. Upon determining that the device 115 is in a standby state, thearchitecture may detect when a radio connection between the device 115and a base station 105 transitions to a high power state. Upontransitioning to a high power state, the architecture may identifyexisting transport layer connections between the device 115 and a serverof a network, such as the Internet. The architecture of the device 115may also determine a net count of transport layer connections opened andclosed, over a time period. The time period may be while the radioconnection is in the high power state or the time period may begin whenthe radio connection ceases to be available. When the net countsatisfies a certain threshold, the architecture may initiate a dormancyprocedure to transition the radio connection from the high power stateto a low power state. The procedure may lead to releasing the radioconnection between the device 115 and the base station 105. The device115 may also select between a plurality of timers when a trafficsynchronization event is detected. For example, the device 115 mayselect a first timer when a synchronous burst of traffic is detected andmay select a second timer when a non-synchronous burst of traffic isdetected. The architecture of the device 115 may also detect a closingof a TCP connection. Upon detecting a closing of a TCP connection, thedevice 115 may also select between the plurality of timers. For example,the device 115 may select a third timer when a closing of a TCPconnection is detected. Upon expiration of the selected timer, thedormancy procedure may be initiated. In one example, the values of thefirst, second, and third timers may be different.

Referring next to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrates an example of awireless communications system 200. The system 200 may be an example ofthe system 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. NodeBs 105-a (oreNodeBs) and radio network controllers (RNCs) 205 are parts of wirelesscommunications system 200. In the illustrated example, the systemincludes a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) TerrestrialRadio Access Network (UTRAN) 210. A UTRAN 210 is a collective term forthe NodeBs 105 (or base stations) and the control equipment for theNodeBs 105 (or RNC 120) it contains which make up the UMTS radio accessnetwork. This may be a 3G communications network which is capable ofcarrying both real-time circuit switched and IP-based packet-switchedtraffic types. The UTRAN 210 may provide an air interface access methodfor the user equipment (UE) 115-a, which is an example of the mobiledevice 115 of FIG. 1. Connectivity may be provided between the UE 115-band the core network 125-a by the UTRAN 210. The UTRAN 210 may transportdata packets to multiple UEs 115-a.

The UTRAN 210 is connected internally or externally to other functionalentities by a number of interfaces. The UTRAN 210 may be incommunication with a core network 125-a via external interface supportedby RNCs 120. In addition, the RNCs 210 manage a set of base stationscalled NodeBs 105-a. RNCs 120 may be in communication with each other,as well. The UTRAN 210 is largely autonomous from the core network 125-abecause the RNCs 210 may be interconnected. The NodeBs 105-a may be inwireless communication with the UE 115-a. The system may be furtherconnected to additional networks (not shown), such as a corporateintranet, the Internet, or a conventional public switched telephonenetwork, and may transport data packets between each UE 115-a and suchoutside networks.

Each RNC 210 may fill multiple roles. First, it may control theadmission of new UEs 115-a or services attempting to use the NodeB 105.Second, from the NodeB 105, or base station, point of view, the RNC 120is a controlling RNC 120. Controlling admission ensures that UEs 115-aare allocated radio resources (bandwidth and signal/noise ratio) up towhat the network has available. An RNC 210 may terminate the UE's 115-acontrol plane communications. For example, a radio connection betweenthe UE 115-a and a NodeB 105 may enter a high power state while the UE115-a is in an active state. The UE 115-a may initiate a dormancyprocedure based upon one or more trigger conditions (e.g., a net countof open sockets satisfies a threshold, a closing of a TransmissionControl Protocol (TCP) connection, a start of a synchronous trafficburst, a start of a non-synchronous traffic burst). The RNC 210 mayexecute the dormancy procedure by terminating the radio connectionbetween the UE 115-a and the NodeB 105.

For an air interface, UMTS often uses a wideband spread-spectrum mobileair interface known as WCDMA. WCDMA uses a direct sequence code divisionmultiple access signaling method (or CDMA) to separate users. WCDMA is athird generation standard for mobile communications. WCDMA evolved fromGSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)/GPRS a second generationstandard, which is oriented to voice communications with limited datacapability. The first commercial deployments of WCDMA are based on aversion of the standards called WCDMA Release 99.

In one example, traffic is transported using a transport protocol, suchas User Datagram Protocol (UDP) of Transport Control Protocol (TCP). Forinstance, the UE 115-a may connect to a server of a network, such as theInternet, via one or more TCP connections and/or UDP connections. Eachconnection (e.g., TCP connection, UDP connection) may support one ormore communication sockets. In one example, traffic may be transportedbetween the UE 115-a and the server of a network, such as the Internet,using one or more communication sockets and/or one or more connections.In one example, a traffic burst is the traffic within one radioconnection. As described herein, the UE 115-a may initiate a dormancyprocedure based on one or more triggers. In one example, UE 115-a mayinitiate a dormancy procedure upon determining that the net count ofopen transport layer sockets between the UE 115-a and a server of anetwork, such as the Internet, satisfies a threshold. In anotherexample, the UE 115-a may initiate a dormancy procedure upon the closingof a TCP connection. In yet another example, the UE 115-a may initiate adormancy procedure based on the type of traffic burst that is beingcommunicated.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 300 illustrating one embodiment of a mobiledevice 115-b, in accordance with the present systems and methods. Themobile device 115-b may be an example of the mobile device 115 of FIG. 1or 2. The mobile device 115-b may include a receiver module 305, a fastdormancy module 310, and a transmitter module 315. The mobile device115-b may include other module not shown in FIG. 3.

These components of the mobile device 115-b may, individually orcollectively, be implemented with one or more application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs) adapted to perform some or all of theapplicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions may beperformed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other embodiments, other types ofintegrated circuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and other Semi-Custom ICs), which maybe programmed in any manner known in the art. The functions of each unitmay also be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embodiedin a memory, formatted to be executed by one or more general orapplication-specific processors.

In one configuration, the receiver module 305 may include a cellularreceiver and the transmitter module 315 may include a cellulartransmitter. In one example, the receiver module 305 and the transmittermodule 315 may allow the mobile device 115-b to communicate with one ormore base stations 105. The fast dormancy module 310 may determine whento initiate a dormancy procedure to transition a radio connection to alow power state. In some configurations, the fast dormancy module 310may initiate a dormancy procedure based on one or more triggerconditions. Details regarding the fast dormancy module 310 will bedescribed below.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram 400 illustrating another embodiment to of amobile device 115-c in accordance with the present systems and methods.The mobile device 115-c may be an example of the mobile device 115illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and/or 3. The mobile device 115-c may includethe receiver module 305, a fast dormancy module 310-a, and thetransmitter module 315, as previously described. Each of thesecomponents may be in communication with each other.

These components of the mobile device 115-c may, individually orcollectively, be implemented with one or more application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs) adapted to perform some or all of theapplicable functions in hardware. Alternatively, the functions may beperformed by one or more other processing units (or cores), on one ormore integrated circuits. In other embodiments, other types ofintegrated circuits may be used (e.g., Structured/Platform ASICs, FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and other Semi-Custom ICs), which maybe programmed in any manner known in the art. The functions of each unitmay also be implemented, in whole or in part, with instructions embodiedin a memory, formatted to be executed by one or more general orapplication-specific processors.

In one example, the fast dormancy module 310-a may include a statedetermination module 405, a connection identification module 410, and adormancy initiation module 415. Additionally or alternatively, the fastdormancy module 310-a may also include a connection detection module 420and a traffic detection module 430.

The state determination module 405 may determine the state of the mobiledevice 115-c. For example, the state determination module 405 mayanalyze certain characteristics of the mobile device 115-c to determinewhether the mobile device 115-c is in an active state or a standbystate. Characteristics that may determine the state of the mobile device115-c may include a state of an input/output device of the mobile device115-c, a predetermined window of time, a power supply level of themobile device 115-c, etc. The state determination module 405 may furtherdetermine a power state of the mobile device 115-c. For example, thestate determination module 405 may determine whether the mobile device115-c is in a low or high power state. In one example, the statedetermination module 405 may determine when the radio connection betweenthe mobile device 115-c and a NodeB, eNodeB, etc. transitions to a highpower state.

The connection identification module 410 may identify certainconnections between the mobile device 115-c and another device orentity. In one configuration, the module 410 may identify transportlayer connections between the mobile device 115-c and a server of anetwork, such as the Internet. The transport layer connections may beTCP sockets, UDP sockets, etc. The connection identification module 410may determine a total number of connections, a net count of connectionsduring a certain time period, etc. The time period may be while theradio connection is in the high power state or the time period may beginwhen the radio connection ceases to be available.

The dormancy initiation module 415 may initiate a dormancy procedure totransition the UE 115-c from a high power state to a low power state.The transition from a high power state to a low power state may occur byreleasing a radio connection between the UE 115-c and a NodeB, eNodeB,or other type of base station in an RAN. The dormancy initiation module415 may determine to initiate the procedure based on one or moretriggers. In one example, the dormancy initiation module 415 may betriggered depending on the net number of connections identified by theconnection identification module 410. In another example, the dormancyinitiation module 415 may be triggered based on the closing of a TCPconnection detected by the connection detection module 420. In yetanother example, the dormancy initiation module 415 may be triggeredbased on the type of traffic that is detected by the traffic detectionmodule 430. Further details regarding the fast dormancy module 310-awill be described below.

The connection detection module 420 may detect TCP connections betweenthe mobile device 115-c and another device or entity. The connectiondetection module 420 may detect the closing of a TCP connection. Forexample, the connection detection module 420 may determine that a TCPconnection has closed by either keeping a count of number of TCPconnections or by listening to a callback that triggers whenever a TCPconnection is closed. Upon detecting the closing of a TCP connection,the connection detection module 420 may trigger the timing module 425 tostart an inactivity timer (e.g., a TCP connection closed inactivitytimer).

The traffic detection module 430 may identify different types of trafficbursts and may trigger different inactivity timers based on differenttypes of traffic bursts. For example, the traffic detection module 430may detect sync traffic bursts and non-sync traffic bursts. A trafficburst may be the traffic within one radio connection (a data transactionseparated by other data transactions by at least a network inactivitytimer, for example). A sync traffic burst starts when a sync timerexpires (at least one socket call is queued until the expiration of thesync timer, for example). Other traffic bursts may be non-sync trafficbursts. In one example, the traffic detection module 430 may detect async traffic burst based on a determination that a traffic burst startsupon the expiration of the sync timer. Upon detecting a sync trafficburst, the traffic detection module 430 may trigger the timing module425 to start a first inactivity timer (e.g., a sync traffic burstinactivity timer). Upon detecting a non-sync traffic burst, the trafficdetection module 430 may trigger the timing module 425 to start a secondinactivity timer (e.g., a non-sync traffic burst inactivity timer).

The timing module 425 may select an inactivity timer based on a receivedtrigger and may start the selected inactivity timer. Upon expiration ofthe selected inactivity timer, the timing module 425 may trigger thedormancy initiation module 415 to initiate a dormancy procedure, asdescribed. In some embodiments, the timing module 425 may include aplurality of different inactivity timers. Using different inactivitytimers for different triggering events may allow for increased powersavings.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram 500 illustrating an example architecture of amobile device 115-d that includes a fast dormancy module 310-b. Thedevice 115-d may be an example of the mobile device 115 of FIGS. 1, 2,3, and/or 4. The module 310-b may be an example of the fast dormancymodule 310 of FIG. 3 or 4. In one embodiment, the module 310-b may beuseful to initiate a transition of a radio connection from a high powerstate to a low power state in an efficient manner. In one example, themodule 310-b may include a state determination module 405-a to determinethe state of the UE, a connection identification module 410-a toidentify a net count of transport layer sockets, a connection detectionmodule 420-a to detect the closing of a TCP connection, a trafficdetection module 430-a to detect different types of traffic bursts, atiming module 425-a to select an inactivity timer based on thetriggering event, and a dormancy initiation module 415-a to initiate adormancy procedure.

In one configuration, the state determination module 405-a may include adevice state determination module 505 and a power state determinationmodule 510. The device state determination module 505 may use the stateof the screen of the UE, the state of connectors (Universal Serial Bus(USB), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)) of the UE, the stateof a microphone (e.g., on/off) of the UE, the state of audio playback,etc. to determine whether the device is in an active or a standby state.In one example, the screen of the UE may be active or inactive. Anactive determination may be reached if the screen is powered on,receiving user input, interfacing with the user (e.g., screen is a touchscreen), etc. Conversely, an inactive determination may be reached ifthe screen is powered off, if the screen has not received user input fora certain period of time, etc. If the state of the screen is active, thestate determination module 405-a may classify the UE as being in anactive state. If, however, the state of the screen is inactive, thestate determination module 405-a may classify the UE as being in astandby state.

The power state determination module 510 may determine a power state ofa radio connection between the UE and a NodeB, eNodeB, or other type ofbase station in a RAN. The power state may be a low power consumptionstate, such as an idle state, in which the UE receives small amounts oftraffic, such as incoming pages via the radio connection. In addition,the power state may be a higher power consumption state, such as a FACHstate, in which small amounts of data may be transferred via the radioconnection on the uplink and downlink between the UE and the basestation. Further, a higher power state may also include a DCH state,which provides a high rate of data exchange via the radio connection.Power consumption in the DCH state by the radio connection may be thehighest as compared to the power consumption of the FACH or idle state.The UE may be considered to be in an active radio state when the powerstate is determined to be in a higher power state (e.g., the FACH stateor the DCH state).

The connection identification module 410-a may include a socket countingmodule 515. The socket counting module 515 may count the number of opensockets when the UE is determined to be in an active radio state (e.g.,a FACH or DCH state). In particular, the module 515 may determine a netcount of sockets opened and closed over a time period. The time periodmay be while the radio connection is in the high power state or the timeperiod may begin when the radio connection ceases to be available. Forexample, when the power state determination module 510 determines theradio connection for the UE has transitioned from a low power state to ahigher power state, the socket counting module 515 may begin to countthe number of transport layer connections, such as TCP or UDP sockets,opened while in the higher power state. The socket counting module 515may also count the number of transport layer connections closed duringthe higher power state. In one configuration, the socket counting module515 may subtract the number of closed connections from the number ofopened connections to obtain the net count of transport layerconnections while the radio connection is in the higher power state.Based on the net count, the connection identification module 410-a maytrigger the dormancy initiation module 415-a to initiate a dormancyprocedure.

For example, if the net count is zero or less than zero, the connectionidentification module 410-a may trigger the dormancy initiation module415-a to initiate a dormancy procedure. The net count may be less thanzero if a transport layer connection existed (i.e., was opened) prior tothe radio connection transitioning to the higher power state. Forexample, a long-lived TCP socket or connection may be opened when theradio connection is in an idle state. The connection may remain openedwhen the radio connection transitions to a higher power state. While inthe higher power state, the UE may open and close two short-lived TCPsockets. In addition, the long-lived TCP socket may also be closed.Thus, the net count determined by the socket counting module may be lessthan zero (2 opened sockets-3 closed sockets).

The connection detection module 420-a may include a TCP connectiondetection module 525 and a connection state determination module 530.The TCP connection detection module 525 may detect one or more (e.g.,each) TCP connections. The connection state determination module 530 maydetermine when a (e.g., each) TCP connection is closed. To ensure thatactivity on other TCP connections has ended, a small inactivity timermay be used after a TCP connection is closed. Upon detecting that a TCPconnection has closed, the connection state determination module 530 maytrigger the timing module 425-a to start a TCP connection closedinactivity timer.

The traffic detection module 430-a may include a sync traffic detectionmodule 545. The sync traffic detection module 545 may determine whetherthe traffic burst is a sync traffic burst or a non-sync traffic burst.In one example, the sync traffic detection module 545 may detect that atraffic burst is a sync traffic burst when the traffic burst is sentupon the expiration of a sync timer. If the traffic burst is sentwithout regard to a sync timer (e.g., non-synchronous traffic), the synctraffic detection module 545 may detect that the traffic burst is anon-sync traffic burst. Upon detecting that the traffic burst is a synctraffic burst or a non-sync traffic burst, the sync traffic detectionmodule 545 may trigger the timing module 425-a to select the appropriateinactivity timer (e.g., sync traffic burst inactivity timer or non-synctraffic burst inactivity timer). In one example, the non-sync trafficburst inactivity timer may be shorter than the sync traffic burstinactivity timer.

In some embodiments, the timing module 425-a may include a timerselection module 535 and a timer expiration detection module 540. Thetimer selection module 535 may select a timer (from a plurality oftimers, for example) based on the triggering event. For example, if thetriggering event is a closing of a TCP connection, then the timerselection module 535 may select the TCP connection closed inactivitytimer. If the triggering event is traffic synchronization event (e.g. astart of a synchronous traffic burst), then the timer selection module535 may select the sync traffic burst inactivity timer. Similarly, ifthe triggering event is a traffic synchronization event (e.g., a startof a non-synchronous traffic burst), then the timer selection module 535may select the non-sync traffic burst inactivity timer. The timerselection module 535 may start the selected timer. In the case thatmultiple triggering events occur, the timer selection module 535 mayselect the shortest inactivity timer among the triggered inactivitytimers. The timer expiration detection module 540 may monitor the statusof the selected inactivity timer and may trigger the dormancy initiationmodule 415-a to initiate a dormancy procedure upon the expiration of theselected inactivity timer.

In one example, the dormancy initiation module 415-a may include anindicator generation module 520 that may generate an indicator toinitiate a dormancy procedure. For example, the indicator generationmodule 520 may generate a signaling connection release indicator (SCRI)that indicates to the base station of the RAN that the radio connectionis no longer needed. In response to receiving this indicator, the RANmay initiate a transition of the radio connection to a lower powerstate. As a result, the architecture of the mobile device 115-d thatincludes the fast dormancy module 310-b allows the mobile device 115-dto initiate the dormancy procedure in an efficient manner by generatingthe SCRI as soon as it is determined that the radio connection is notneeded anymore (when the net count of sockets opened and closed during atraffic state is equal to (or less than) zero, when a TCP connectioncloses, and/or when a sync or non-sync traffic burst starts, forexample). The lag of time before initiating the procedure due to the useof inactivity times in the RAN is eliminated. Thus, the radio connectionis transitioned to the low power state as soon as possible and thereforepower and spectral resources of the mobile device 115-d and RAN,respectively, are preserved.

FIG. 6 shows a timing diagram 600 for a number of transport layerconnections, such as TCP or UDP sockets. The results of the timingdiagram 600 may result in the mobile device 115 of FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5initiating a procedure to transition a radio connection to a low powerstate.

In one example, a long-lived open TCP socket 605 may exist prior to afirst time period, t₁. At the time t₁, a radio connection between amobile device and a base station may transition to high power state. Asa result, the mobile device transitions to an active radio state. Asillustrated, the mobile device may remain in the active radio state fromtime t₁ through time t₆. At time t₁, a first short-lived TCP socket610-a-1 (or connection) may be opened. Similarly, at times t₂, t₃, andt₄, a second 610-a-2, third 610-a-3, and fourth 610-a-4 TCP socket maybe opened, respectively. As shown by the example timing diagram 600, attimes t₃, t₄, t₅, and t₆, the first, second, third, and fourth TCPconnections are closed, respectively. Thus, each of the four short-livedTCP connects 610 are opened and closed while the UE is in an activeradio state (e.g., the radio connection is in a high power state). Inthis example, the long-lived TCP socket 605 may remain open after thetime t₆. As a result, the net count of active TCP sockets while themobile device is in the active radio state is zero (4 closed TCPsockets-4 opened TCP sockets).

In one embodiment, the mobile device may identify any existing transportlayer connection when the transition to the active radio state occurs.In this example, the mobile device may identify the long-lived TCPconnection as existing at the time of the transition. While the mobiledevice is in the active power state, the mobile device may periodicallycount the number of opened and closed TCP connections to determine thenet count. As can be seen from this example, the net count reaches zeroat time t₆. When this occurs, the mobile device may initiate a fastdormancy procedure. This may include generating the SCRI message to sendto the RAN. Upon receiving the SCRI, the RAN may transition the radioconnection between the mobile device and the base station in the RAN toa low power state. In one example, the net count may be less than zeroif the long-lived TCP connection 605 closes while the mobile device isin the active radio state. For instance, the connection 605 may closeprior to time t₆. Thus, in this example, the net count may be negativeone, and the UE may initiate the fast dormancy procedure to transitionto an inactive radio state.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a MIMO communication system 700 including abase station 105-b and a mobile device 115-e. This system 700 mayillustrate aspects of the system 100 of FIG. 1 and/or system 200 of FIG.2. The base station 105-b may be equipped with antennas 734-a through734-x, and the mobile device 115-e may be equipped with antennas 752-athrough 752-n. In the system 700, the base station 105-b may be able tosend data over multiple communication links at the same time. Eachcommunication link may be called a “layer” and the “rank” of thecommunication link may indicate the number of layers used forcommunication. For example, in a 2×2 MIMO system where base station105-b transmits two “layers,” the rank of the communication link betweenthe base station 105-b and the mobile device 115-e is two.

At the base station 105-b, a transmit processor 720 may receive datafrom a data source. The transmit processor 720 may process the data. Thetransmit processor 720 may also generate reference symbols, and acell-specific reference signal. A transmit (TX) MIMO processor 730 mayperform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on data symbols, controlsymbols, and/or reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide outputsymbol streams to the transmit modulators 732-a through 732-x. Eachmodulator 732 may process a respective output symbol stream (e.g., forOFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator 732 mayfurther process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, andupconvert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink (DL) signal. Inone example, DL signals from modulators 732-a through 732-x may betransmitted via the antennas 734-a through 734-x, respectively.

At the mobile device 115-e, the mobile device antennas 752-a through752-n may receive the DL signals from the base station 105-b and mayprovide the received signals to the demodulators 754-a through 754-n,respectively. Each demodulator 754 may condition (e.g., filter, amplify,downconvert, and digitize) a respective received signal to obtain inputsamples. Each demodulator 754 may further process the input samples(e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. A MIMO detector 756may obtain received symbols from all the demodulators 754-a through754-n, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols if applicable, andprovide detected symbols. A receive processor 758 may process (e.g.,demodulate, deinterleave, and decode) the detected symbols, providingdecoded data for the mobile device 115-e to a data output, and providedecoded control information to a processor 780, or memory 782.

On the uplink (UL), at the mobile device 115-e, a transmit processor 764may receive and process data from a data source. The transmit processor764 may also generate reference symbols for a reference signal. Thesymbols from the transmit processor 764 may be precoded by a transmitMIMO processor 766 if applicable, further processed by the demodulators754-a through 754-n (e.g., for SC-FDMA, etc.), and be transmitted to thebase station 105-b in accordance with the transmission parametersreceived from the base station 105-b. At the base station 105-b, the ULsignals from the mobile device 115-e may be received by the antennas734, processed by the demodulators 732, detected by a MIMO detector 736if applicable, and further processed by a receive processor. The receiveprocessor 738 may provide decoded data to a data output and to theprocessor 740. The components of the mobile device 115-e may,individually or collectively, be implemented with one or moreApplication Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) adapted to perform someor all of the applicable functions in hardware. Each of the notedmodules may be a means for performing one or more functions related tooperation of the system 700. Similarly, the components of the basestation 105-b may, individually or collectively, be implemented with oneor more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) adapted toperform some or all of the applicable functions in hardware. Each of thenoted components may be a means for performing one or more functionsrelated to operation of the system 700.

The communication networks that may accommodate some of the variousdisclosed embodiments may be packet-based networks that operateaccording to a layered protocol stack. For example, communications atthe bearer or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer may beIP-based. A Radio Link Control (RLC) layer may perform packetsegmentation and reassembly to communicate over logical channels. AMedium Access Control (MAC) layer may perform priority handling andmultiplexing of logical channels into transport channels. The MAC layermay also use Hybrid ARQ (HARQ) to provide retransmission at the MAClayer to improve link efficiency. At the Physical layer, the transportchannels may be mapped to Physical channels.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the processor 780 of the mobile device 115-emay include a fast dormancy module 310-c. The fast dormancy module 310-cmay be an example of the fast dormancy module 310 of FIG. 3, 4, or 5. Inone example, the processor 780 may include an intelligent hardwaredevice, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) such as the Snapdragonmade by Qualcomm, a microcontroller, an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), etc. The CPU may execute or run applications and anoperating system installed on the mobile device 115-e. As a result, theCPU may be referred to as an application processor. In oneconfiguration, the CPU may enter a lower power state (power collapse) toconserve power. While in the lower power state, the CPU may not processdata received via a radio connection. Thus, a dormancy procedure may beinitiated for the radio connection when the CPU is about to transitionto the low power state. The dormancy procedure may result in the radioconnection being torn down while the CPU is in the low power state andthe mobile device 115-e is in a standby state.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method 800 fordetermining when to initiate dormancy of a radio connection. Forclarity, the method 800 is described below with reference to the mobiledevice 115 shown in FIG. 1,2, 3, 4, 5, or 7. In one implementation, theprocessor module 780 may execute one or more sets of codes to controlthe functional elements of the mobile device 115 to perform thefunctions described below. In particular, the fast dormancy module 310may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elementsof the mobile device 115 to perform the functions described below.

At block 805, a determination may be made that the mobile device 115 isin a standby state. The determination may be made by classifying ascreen of the mobile device 115 as being in an inactive mode. The screenmay be inactive when it is powered off, when a power supply of themobile device 115 is below a certain threshold, when user input has notbeen received via the screen for a certain period of time, etc.

At block 810, a net number of transport layer connections on the mobiledevice 115 may be identified. The connections may be open sockets (e.g.,TCP sockets, UDP sockets) between the mobile device 115 and a server ofa network, such as the Internet. The transport layer connections may beused to transmit/receive data between the mobile device 115 and theserver. A radio connection between the mobile device 115 and a basestation 105 may enable the data to be transmitted/received via thesockets.

At block 815, dormancy of the radio connection may be initiated, whenthe mobile device 115 is in the standby state, based at least in part onthe identified net number of transport layer connections. A SCRI may begenerated to inform the base station 105 of the RAN that the radioconnection is no longer needed. As a result, the RAN may transition theradio connection to a low power state by releasing the connectionbetween the mobile device 115 and the base station 105.

Therefore, the method 800 may provide for efficient initiation ofdormancy for a radio connection to conserve power and resources of themobile device 115 and the base station 105. It should be noted that themethod 800 is just one implementation and that the operations of themethod 800 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that otherimplementations are possible.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method 900 fordetermining when to initiate dormancy of a radio connection based on anet count of open sockets. For clarity, the method 900 is describedbelow with reference to the mobile device 115 shown in FIG. 1,2, 3, 4,5, or 7. In one implementation, the processor module 780 may execute oneor more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the mobiledevice 115 to perform the functions described below. In particular, thefast dormancy module 310 may execute one or more sets of codes tocontrol the functional elements of the mobile device 115 to perform thefunctions described below.

At block 905, a determination may be made as to whether the mobiledevice 115 is transitioning to an active radio state. For example, adetermination may be made as to whether a radio connection between themobile device 115 and a device of a RAN is transitioning from a lowpower (e.g., idle) state to a higher power state (e.g., FACH or DCHstate). If it is determined that the mobile device 115 is nottransitioning to the active radio state, the method 900 may continue todetermine whether the radio connection is transitioning to an activeradio state. If, however, it is determined 905 that the mobile device115 is transitioning to the active radio state, the method 900 maycontinue to block 910.

At block 910, a number of opened sockets may be identified. For example,the number of sockets opened during the transition to the active stateand throughout the course of the active state may be identified. Atblock 915, a number of closed sockets may be identified. For example,the number of sockets closed during the transition to the active stateand throughout the course of the active state may be identified.

At block 920, a determination may be made as to whether the number ofopened sockets minus the number of closed sockets is less than or equalto zero. For example, the number of transport layer sockets closedduring the active radio state may be subtracted from the number oftransport layer sockets opened during the active radio state. If it isdetermined that the number of opened sockets minus the number of closedsockets is not less than or equal to zero, then the method 900 continuesto identify the number of opened sockets and the number of closedsockets at blocks 910 and 915, respectively. Upon determining that thenumber of opened sockets minus the number of closed sockets (e.g., thenet number of open sockets) is less than or equal to zero, the method900 continues to block 925 where dormancy of the radio connection may beinitiated.

Therefore, the method 900 may provide for efficient initiation ofdormancy for a radio connection to conserve power and resources of themobile device 115 and the base station 105. It should be noted that themethod 900 is just one implementation and that the operations of themethod 900 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that otherimplementations are possible.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method 1000 forinitiating dormancy of a radio connection based on a net count oftransport layer sockets. For clarity, the method 1000 is described belowwith reference to the mobile device 115 shown in FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or7. In one implementation, the processor module 780 may execute one ormore sets of codes to control the functional elements of the mobiledevice 115 to perform the functions described below. In particular, thefast dormancy module 310 may execute one or more sets of codes tocontrol the functional elements of the mobile device 115 to perform thefunctions described below.

At block 1005, a state of a mobile device 115 may be determined. Thedetermination may be made by analyzing certain characteristics of theterminal. For example, the determination may be based on the powerstatus of the screen of the terminal (e.g., is the screen on or off),the time since the last user input was received via the screen, etc. Inaddition to using the state of the screen to determine the state of themobile device 115, the state of connectors (Universal Serial Bus (USB),High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)) of the mobile device 115,the state of a microphone (e.g., on/off) of the mobile device 115, thestate of audio playback, etc. may be used to determine the state of themobile device 115.

At block 1010, a determination may be made as to whether the state ofthe screen is inactive. The screen may be determined to be inactive ifthe screen is powered off, if no input from the user via the screen fora certain amount of time, etc. If it is determined that the state of thescreen is active, the method 1000 may continue to block 1020 where thestate of the mobile device 115 is classified as active. If, however, itis determined that the state of the screen is inactive, at block 1015,the state of the mobile device 115 may be classified as standby.

At block 1025, while the mobile device 115 is in the standby state, adetermination may be made as to whether the mobile device 115 istransitioning to an active radio state. For example, a determination maybe made as to whether a radio connection between the mobile device 115and a device of a RAN is transitioning from a low power (e.g., idle)state to a higher power state (e.g., FACH or DCH state). If it isdetermined that the mobile device 115 is not transitioning to the activeradio state, the method may continue to determine whether the radioconnection is transitioning to a higher power state. If, however, it isdetermined 1025 that the mobile device 115 is transitioning to theactive radio state, at block 1030, pre-existing transport layer opensockets may be identified. For example, long-lived TCP connections inexistence before the transition to a higher power state may beidentified.

At block 1035, a net count of open transport layer sockets may becalculated over a specified time period. The time period may be whilethe radio connection is in the high power state. For example, the numberof transport layer sockets closed during the active radio state may besubtracted from the number of transport layer sockets opened during theactive radio state. A long-lived TCP connection that was in existence(e.g., opened) before the transition to the active radio state may notbe counted as a transport layer socket that was opened while the radioconnection is in a higher power state. In addition to (or in place of)counting the number of sockets opened and closed during the active radiostate, the number of socket file descriptors opened and closed while theradio connection is active may be used to calculate the net countdescribed above.

At block 1040, a determination may be made as to whether the calculatednet count satisfies a threshold. For example, a net count that equals(or is less than) zero may satisfy the threshold. If it is determinedthat the net count does not satisfy the threshold, the method 1000 mayreturn to block 1035 to calculate the net count of open transport layersockets. If, however, it is determined that the net count does satisfythe threshold, at block 1045, dormancy of the radio connection may beinitiated. The dormancy may be initiated by generating a SCRI to send tothe base station 105 connected to the mobile device 115 via the radioconnection. The RAN that includes the base station 105 may receive theSCRI and cause the radio connection to transition to an idle state. Thetransition may occur by the RAN releasing the radio connection betweenthe mobile device 115 and the base station 105.

Therefore, the method 1000 may provide for initiating dormancy of theradio connection by the mobile device 115 as soon as the radioconnection is no longer needed. This may result in power and resourcesavings for the mobile device 115 as well as a reduction in consumptionof network resources for the RAN. It should be noted that the method1000 is just one implementation and that the operations of the method1000 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that otherimplementations are possible.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating another example of a method 1100for determining when to initiate dormancy of a radio connection. Forclarity, the method 1100 is described below with reference to the mobiledevice 115 shown in FIG. 1,2, 3, 4, 5, or 7. In one implementation, theprocessor module 780 may execute one or more sets of codes to controlthe functional elements of the mobile device 115 to perform thefunctions described below. In particular, the fast dormancy module 310may execute one or more sets of codes to control the functional elementsof the mobile device 115 to perform the functions described below.

At block 1105, a plurality of timers (e.g., inactivity timers) may beprovided. In one example, the plurality of timers may include a TCPconnection closed inactivity timer, a sync traffic burst inactivitytimer, a non-sync traffic burst inactivity timer, etc. At block 1110, atraffic synchronization event (e.g., triggering event) may be detected.Examples of traffic synchronization events include a sync traffic burstand a non-sync traffic burst. It is noted that in some cases, multipletriggering events may occur simultaneously.

At block 1115, one of the plurality of timers may be selected based atleast in part on the detected traffic synchronization event. Forexample, the timer that is associated with the detected trafficsynchronization event may be selected. In some cases, one of theplurality of timers may be selected based at least in part on a closingof a TCP connection. In one example, each traffic synchronization eventmay be associated with a respective inactivity timer (e.g., the synctraffic burst inactivity timer, the non-sync traffic burst inactivitytimer). A closing of a TCP connection may also have a respectiveinactivity timer (e.g., the TCP connection closed inactivity timer). Insome cases, each of the plurality of timers may have a different timerduration (e.g., the duration of the TCP connection closed inactivitytimer, the sync traffic burst inactivity timer, and the non-sync trafficburst inactivity timer may each be different). At block 1120, dormancyof the radio connection may be initiated upon expiration of the selectedtimer. A SCRI may be generated to inform the base station 105 of the RANthat the radio connection is no longer needed. As a result, the RAN maytransition the radio connection to a low power state by releasing theconnection between the mobile device 115 and the base station 105.

Therefore, the method 1100 may provide for efficient initiation ofdormancy for a radio connection to conserve power and resources of themobile device 115 and the base station 105. It should be noted that themethod 1100 is just one implementation and that the operations of themethod 1100 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that otherimplementations are possible.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method 1200 fordetermining when to initiate dormancy of a radio connection based on aclosing of a TCP connection. For clarity, the method 1200 is describedbelow with reference to the mobile device 115 shown in FIG. 1,2, 3, 4,5, or 7. In one implementation, the processor module 780 may execute oneor more sets of codes to control the functional elements of the mobiledevice 115 to perform the functions described below. In particular, thefast dormancy module 310 may execute one or more sets of codes tocontrol the functional elements of the mobile device 115 to perform thefunctions described below.

At block 1205, a TCP connection may be detected. For example, each ofthe TCP connections may be detected. At block 1210 an event may bedetected. At block 1215, a determination may be made as to whether theevent is the closing of a TCP connection. If it is determined that theevent is not a closing of a TCP connection, then the method 1200 mayreturn to detecting an event. If however, it is determined that theevent is a closing of a TCP connection, then at block 1220, aninactivity timer may be selected.

At block 1225, the selected inactivity timer may be started. Forexample, upon the closing of a TCP connection, the TCP connection closedinactivity timer may be started. At block 1230, a determination may bemade as to whether the inactivity timer has expired. If it is determinedthat the selected inactivity timer has not expired, then the method 1200continues to determine if the selected inactivity timer has expired. Ifhowever, it is determined that the selected inactivity timer hasexpired, then, at block 1235, dormancy of the radio connection may beinitiated.

Therefore, the method 1200 may provide for efficient initiation ofdormancy for a radio connection to conserve power and resources of themobile device 115 and the base station 105. It should be noted that themethod 1200 is just one implementation and that the operations of themethod 1200 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that otherimplementations are possible.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating one example of a method 1300 fordetermining when to initiate dormancy of a radio connection based on atraffic burst type. For clarity, the method 1300 is described below withreference to the mobile device 115 shown in FIG. 1,2, 3, 4, 5, or 7. Inone implementation, the processor module 780 may execute one or moresets of codes to control the functional elements of the mobile device115 to perform the functions described below. In particular, the fastdormancy module 310 may execute one or more sets of codes to control thefunctional elements of the mobile device 115 to perform the functionsdescribed below.

At block 1305, a traffic synchronization event may be detected. At block1310, a determination may be made as to whether the trafficsynchronization event is a start of a traffic burst. If it is determinedthat the event is not a start of a traffic burst, then the method 1300may return to detecting a traffic synchronization event. If however, itis determined 1310 that the event is a start of a traffic burst, then atblock 1315, a traffic burst type may be identified.

At block 1320, a determination may be made as to whether the trafficburst is a sync traffic burst. If it is determined 1320 that the trafficburst is a sync traffic burst, then, at block 1325, a first inactivitytimer (e.g., a sync traffic burst inactivity timer) may be selected. If,however, it is determined that the traffic burst is not a sync trafficburst, then, at block 1330, a second inactivity timer (e.g., non-synctraffic inactivity timer) may be selected.

At block 1335, the selected inactivity timer may be started. Forexample, upon the start of a sync traffic burst, the sync traffic burstinactivity timer may be started and upon the start of a non-sync trafficburst, the non-sync traffic burst inactivity timer may be started. Atblock 1340, a determination may be made as to whether the inactivitytimer has expired. If it is determined 1340 that the selected inactivitytimer has not expired, then the method 1300 continues to determine ifthe selected inactivity timer has expired. If however, it is determined1340 that the selected inactivity timer has expired, then, at block1345, dormancy of the radio connection may be initiated. In oneembodiment, the value (i.e., length) of the sync traffic burstinactivity timer may be less than the value of the non-sync trafficburst inactivity timer.

Therefore, the method 1300 may provide for efficient initiation ofdormancy for a radio connection to conserve power and resources of themobile device 115 and the base station 105. It should be noted that themethod 1300 is just one implementation and that the operations of themethod 1300 may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that otherimplementations are possible.

Employing the techniques and structures disclosed herein, a mobiledevice (i.e., a UE) may initiate the dormancy procedure for a radioconnection. The procedure may be initiated at an efficient time ratherthan waiting unnecessarily for an inactivity timer to expire. Further,the decision to initiate the procedure may be based, at least in part,on the net count of TCP sockets opened and closed while the mobiledevice is in an active radio state, a closing of a TCP connection,and/or a traffic burst type. Transitioning the radio connection of themobile device to a low power state in an efficient manner reduces powerand resource consumption by the mobile device in a standby state.

Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signalsmay be represented using any of a variety of different technologies andtechniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information,signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout theabove description may be represented by voltages, currents,electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields orparticles, or any combination thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented aselectronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. Toclearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software,various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the describedfunctionality in varying ways for each particular application, but suchimplementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing adeparture from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital SignalProcessor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), aField Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a number of microprocessors, one or moremicroprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in asoftware module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two.A software module may reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flashmemory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM),Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, aremovable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known inthe art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor suchthat the processor can read information from, and write information to,the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may beintegral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium mayreside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In thealternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discretecomponents in a user terminal.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on ortransmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium or a computer-readable storage device.Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media andcommunication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of acomputer program from one place to another. A storage media may be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example,and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM,EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used tocarry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or datastructures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connectionis properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if thesoftware is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote sourceusing a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digitalsubscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio,and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave areincluded in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein,includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatiledisc (DVD), floppy disk, and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproducedata magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

The previous description of the disclosed exemplary embodiments isprovided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use theinvention. Various modifications to these exemplary embodiments will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is notintended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown herein but isto be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for wireless communication using amobile device, comprising: determining that the mobile device is in astandby state based at least in part on a state of user interfacecomponent; identifying a number of pre-existing transport layerconnections of the mobile device; identifying a net count of transportlayer connections of the mobile device, wherein the net count oftransport layer connections is based at least in part on the identifiednumber of pre-existing transport layer connections, a number of openconnections and a number of closed connections; and determining toinitiate dormancy of a radio connection based at least in part on themobile device being in the standby state and on the identified net countof transport layer connections satisfying a threshold.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the identifying the net count of transport layerconnections occurs during a specified time period.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the specified time period comprises a time period thatthe mobile device is in an active radio state.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein the active radio state comprises a forward access channel (FACH)state, a data channel (DCH) state, or a connected state.
 5. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: determining that the mobile device istransitioning to an active radio state or transitioning out of theactive radio state; wherein identifying the number of pre-existingtransport layer connections is based at least in part on when the mobiledevice transitions to the active radio state or transitions out of theactive radio state; and wherein the net count of transport layerconnections is identified after the transition of the mobile device. 6.The method of claim 5, wherein the net count of transport layerconnections is determined from a number of transport layer connectionsclosed after the transition of the mobile device.
 7. The method of claim5, wherein the net count of transport layer connections is determinedfrom a number of transport layer connections opened after the transitionof the mobile device.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the net count oftransport layer connections is determined from a number of transportlayer file descriptors closed after the transition of the mobile device.9. The method of claim 5, wherein the net count of transport layerconnections is determined from a number of transport layer filedescriptors opened after the transition of the mobile device.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the initiating dormancy of the radioconnection occurs when a net count of transport layer connections iszero, or less than zero.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein determiningthe mobile device to be in the standby state further comprises:determining that a screen of the mobile device is in an inactive state.12. The method of claim 11, wherein the screen is determined to be inthe inactive state when the screen is powered down.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the screen is determined to be in the inactive statewhen a lack of input via the screen occurs for a predetermined period oftime.
 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating asignaling connection release indicator (SCRI) to initiate dormancy ofthe radio connection.
 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining that the mobile device is transitioning to an active radiostate, wherein the number of pre-existing transport layer connectionsare identified when the mobile device transitions to the active radiostate; and periodically counting a number of transport layer connectionsin existence subsequent to the mobile device entering the active radiostate, wherein the net count of transport layer connections isidentified while the mobile device is in the active radio state based atleast in part on the periodic counting of transport layer connections.16. A mobile device configured for wireless communication, comprising: aprocessor; a memory in electronic communication with the processor, thememory embodying instructions, the instructions being executable by theprocessor to: determine that the mobile device is in a standby statebased at least in part on a state of user interface component; identifya number of pre-existing transport layer connections of the mobiledevice; identify a net count of transport layer connections of themobile device, wherein the net count of transport layer connections isbased at least in part on the identified number of pre-existingtransport layer connections, a number of open connections and a numberof closed connections; and determine to initiate dormancy of a radioconnection based at least in part on the mobile device being in thestandby state and on the identified net count of transport layerconnections satisfying a threshold.
 17. The mobile device of claim 16,wherein the processor is further configured to identify the net count oftransport layer connections during a specified time period.
 18. Themobile device of claim 17, wherein the specified time period comprises atime period that the mobile device is in an active radio state.
 19. Themobile device of claim 18, wherein the active radio state comprises aforward access channel (FACH) state, a data channel (DCH) state, or aconnected state.
 20. The mobile device of claim 16, wherein theprocessor is further configured to: determine that the mobile device istransitioning to an active radio state, or transitioning out of theactive radio state, wherein the number of pre-existing transport layerconnections is based at least in part on when the mobile devicetransitions to the active radio state or transitions out of the activeradio state; and wherein the net count of transport layer connections isidentified after the transition of the mobile device.
 21. The mobiledevice of claim 20, wherein the net count of transport layer connectionsis determined from a number of transport layer connections closed afterthe transition of the mobile device.
 22. The mobile device of claim 20wherein the net count of transport layer connections is determined froma number of transport layer connections opened after the transition ofthe mobile device.
 23. The mobile device of claim 20, wherein the netcount of transport layer connections is determined from a number oftransport layer file descriptors closed after the transition of themobile device.
 24. The mobile device of claim 20, wherein the net countof transport layer connections is determined from a number of transportlayer file descriptors opened after the transition of the mobile device.25. The mobile device of claim 16, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to determine to initiate dormancy of the radio connectionwhen a net count of transport layer connections is zero, or less thanzero.
 26. The mobile device of claim 16, wherein the processor isfurther configured to determine that the mobile device is in the standbystate by determining that a screen of the mobile device is in aninactive state.
 27. The mobile device of claim 26, wherein the screen isdetermined to be in the inactive state when the screen is powered down.28. The mobile device of claim 26, wherein the screen is determined tobe in the inactive state when a lack of input via the screen occurs fora predetermined period of time.
 29. The mobile device of claim 16,wherein the processor is further configured to: generate a signalingconnection release indicator (SCRI) to initiate dormancy of the radioconnection.
 30. The mobile device of claim 16, wherein the processor isfurther configured to: determine that the mobile device is transitioningto an active radio state, wherein the number of pre-existing transportlayer connections are identified when the mobile device transitions tothe active radio state; and periodically count a number of transportlayer connections in existence subsequent to the mobile device enteringthe active radio state, wherein the net count of transport layerconnections is identified while the mobile device is in the active radiostate based at least in part on the periodic counting of transport layerconnections.
 31. An apparatus configured to manage radio connections,comprising: means for determining that a mobile device is in a standbystate based at least in part on a state of user interface component;means for identifying a number of pre-existing transport layerconnections of the mobile device; means for identifying a net count oftransport layer connections of the mobile device, wherein the net countof transport layer connections is based at least in part on theidentified number of pre-existing transport layer connections, a numberof open connections and a number of closed connections; and means fordetermining to initiate dormancy of a radio connection based at least inpart on the mobile device being in the standby state and on theidentified net count of transport layer connections satisfying athreshold.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the means foridentifying the net count of transport layer connections occurs during aspecified time period.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein thespecified time period comprises a time period that the mobile device isin an active radio state.
 34. The apparatus of claim 31, furthercomprising: means for determining that the apparatus is transitioning toan active radio state or transitioning out of the active radio state;wherein identifying the number of pre-existing transport layerconnections is based at least in part on when the apparatus transitionsto the active radio state or transitions out of the active radio state;and wherein the net count of transport layer connections is identifiedafter the transition of the apparatus.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34,wherein the net count of transport layer connections is determined froma number of transport layer connections closed after the transition ofthe apparatus.
 36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the net count oftransport layer connections is determined from a number of transportlayer connections opened after the transition of the apparatus.
 37. Theapparatus of claim 31, wherein the means for initiating dormancy of theradio connection occurs when a net count of transport layer connectionsis zero, or less than zero.
 38. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein themeans for determining that the apparatus is in the standby state furthercomprises: means for determining that a screen of the apparatus is in aninactive state.
 39. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising: meansfor generating a signaling connection release indicator (SCRI) toinitiate dormancy of the radio connection.
 40. A computer programproduct for managing radio connections, the computer program productcomprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing executableinstructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:determine that a mobile device is in a standby state based at least inpart on a state of user interface component; identify a number ofpre-existing transport layer connections of the mobile device; identifya net count of transport layer connections of the mobile device whereinthe net count of transport layer connections is based at least in parton the identified number of pre-existing transport layer connections, anumber of open connections and a number of closed connections; anddetermine to initiate dormancy of a radio connection based at least inpart on the mobile device being in the standby state and on theidentified net count of transport layer connections satisfying athreshold.